US 9246857

US Patent 9246857, titled "Method and system for correlating conversations in a messaging environment," was issued on January 26, 2016, from an application filed on December 23, 2014. The inventor is Adam Moisa. The original assignee was CTEXT TECHNOLOGY LLC, and the current assignee is Ctext Ip LLC as of August 3, 2022. The patent is currently active.

The abstract describes a computer-based method for organizing conversations in a messaging environment. This method involves providing a discussion interface on a device where messages are displayed. A user can indicate that a displayed message is part of an active conversation. A message entry location is then provided for new messages, and any new messages entered there are automatically associated with the active conversation and displayed with a shared visual cue.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (Method for correlating conversations): This claim outlines a computer-based method for managing conversations. It begins with presenting a discussion interface on a first device, showing at least two messages. A user indicates that a specific message is part of an "active conversation." Upon this indication, the visual appearance of the message entry area changes to match a unique visual cue associated with that active conversation. When a new message is then entered by the user, it is displayed within the discussion interface, automatically incorporating the same visual cue, thereby visually linking it to the designated active conversation.
• Independent Claim 15 (System for correlating conversations): This claim describes a system, comprising an interface device connected to a computer network. The interface device includes a processor, memory, a transmission unit, and a display. The system's software is configured to display messages in a discussion interface, provide a message entry area, record a user's selection of an "active conversation," and modify a visual element of the message entry location based on the active conversation. The system also transmits newly entered messages to the network, including information about their associated active conversation, and displays these new messages on the device with visual cues shared by other messages in that active conversation.

Legal Status and Litigation:

The patent US9246857B2 is currently active. Public records indicate that the patent family has ongoing litigation. This includes a PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) case, IPR2025-01112, which was filed but not instituted procedurally. Additionally, a US case related to this patent has been filed in the New York Southern District Court (case number 1:24-cv-08821), and the first worldwide family litigation has also been filed.